Q) MasterCard and Official Payments Corp. have partnered to offer MasterCard cardholders a simple and secure way to pay their federal taxes online with the lowest convenience fee available for federal tax payments – 1.9 percent. What other benefits will this partnership provide to MasterCard cardholders?
A) As tax season moves forward, American taxpayers are looking for fast, easy and hassle-free ways to file and pay their federal taxes. In addition to the convenience of paying online with the nation’s lowest convenience fee of 1.9 percent, MasterCard cardholders using ChoicePay.com/MasterCard can reduce the stress associated with the tax experience and benefit from a simplified process that guarantees secure payment and eliminates the need to stand in line at the post office or wait for draft checks or money orders to clear. Cardholders will have peace of mind that their payment has been processed by receiving payment verification. In addition, cardholders using the website may also receive benefits from the reward programs connected with their payment card and, in some cases, can deduct convenience fees.
Q) Is this offering just for individual taxpayers or for businesses as well?
A) Through this agreement with Official Payments, both individuals and businesses can pay their U.S. federal taxes online using their MasterCard card. We know that individual consumers, and businesses of all sizes, are always looking for easy, convenient, secure and cost-effective ways to pay their taxes. This new payment option provides all taxpayers a fast and efficient way to pay their taxes online at ChoicePay.com/MasterCard. Taxpayers will be directed to select “Pay Personal Tax” or “Pay Business Tax” before making their payment. Taxpayers can view the federal tax types available for payment through ChoicePay on the ChoicePay website.
Q) To take advantage of these benefits, cardholders should begin by logging on to ChoicePay.com/MasterCard website. Walk our audience through what would happen next. How does the process work?
A) The process is simple and easy. Once cardholders have completed their federal tax forms and determined what they owe the IRS, they can visit ChoicePay.com/MasterCard and begin the federal tax payment process. Cardholders first choose “Pay Personal Tax” or “Pay Business Tax” from the home page and then are guided through a fast, easy and secure six-step payment process. Cardholders can track where they are in the six-step process via a progress bar on the top of their screen, similar to progress bars visible on many popular tax return preparation software.
Q) Why should the public considering paying taxes online using a card?
A) Tax season can be a stressful time. Each year, consumers continue to look for easier ways to get through the dreaded tax experience. With more Americans living digitally, their tax-related activities have also moved online. According to the IRS, the 2009 tax filing season saw more than 98 million returns filed electronically. In addition, card payments received by the IRS in 2010 totaled 3.5 million transactions – $2.5 billion. Consumers now expect and have the freedom to choose how they want to pay for goods and services – including taxes.
MasterCard continues to listen to consumers who are looking for different ways to pay their taxes and find the electronic payment option fast, secure and convenient. Plus, paying online provides taxpayers more flexibility and less hassle, and offers cardholders to benefit from the rewards that are connected to their card.
Executive Bio: Mathias LiljaӬ, Senior Business Leader U.S. Market Development
Mathias Lilja serves as Senior Business Leader, U.S. Market Development. He joined Master Card in 2006.
Mr. Lilja and his team are responsible for MasterCard’s Emerging Vertical acceptance strategy. In this role, he is focused on uncovering new market verticals (such as Telco, Insurance, HealthCare, Public Sector etc.) where electronic payments and payment card usage can add value to all parties. Mr. Lilja’s job is to create, manage and execute programs that drive greater share, GDV and revenue for MasterCard’s products and services across all non-traditional verticals. Mr. Lilja was previously in the Global Account Management group, responsible for RBS, with focus on prepaid and co-brand opportunities in the U.S. Market.
Prior to MasterCard, Mr. Lilja held several sales management positions for American Express as Director of Global Business Development for Prepaid products and Head of Sales for Commercial products. Mr. Lilja’s other experiences include site manager and owner, with responsibility for international partnerships, for Eurofootball.com. He was also head of sales for Barilla Scandinavia.
Mr. Lilja, born and raised in Sweden, graduated from IHM Business School, majoring in Strategic Marketing.
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